Aldermen advance bill to increase fines, create grant split to tackle vacant properties

Alderman Velasquez presented Board Bill 170 on behalf of a group of sponsors and the Public Safety Committee voted to advance the measure out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The bill creates two new, higher penalties aimed at repeat owners of vacant or unsecured buildings and at unpermitted demolitions. Under the measure, an initial fine for unsecured or vacant non-owner-occupied properties would start at $500 with subsequent fines at $1,000; unpermitted demolitions would carry a penalty of $30,000 or one-half of the appraised value of the property, whichever is greater. The bill directs that proceeds from the new fines be added to the existing Vacant Building Initiative Fund and splits receipts: half to that fund and half to the Community Development Administration (CDA) to support grants for community groups addressing blight and vacancy. The bill as amended sets an effective date of Sept. 1, 2025 to allow time for hiring and training staff.

Why it matters: Alderman Velasquez said the bills respond to voter approval of Proposition B and…